P2DEFCylinder 6 Intake Valve Lift Range/Performance
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- How the car detects it
- P2DEF covers cylinder 6, typically on a V6 or straight six: its intake valves do not reach the commanded lift or take too long to switch. Detection follows the same idea as for the other cylinders; for the driver the reaction matters more. GM's patent on stuck lift mechanisms reports which cylinder failed and whether it hangs in high or low lift, and the engine computer may then drive every mechanism into one default lift, stop further switching, limit engine speed and turn on the MIL. When several cylinders on one bank or the whole engine are off target, P2DF0, P2DF1 or P2DF2 are the matching codes instead. No manufacturer documents P2DEF publicly; CARB treats any lift error that raises emissions as an OBD fault.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- Engine speed limited or lift switching disabled (substitute mode)
- Cylinder 6 misfire, rough running
- Likely causes
- LikelyLift mechanism of cylinder 6 stuck in high or low lift
- PossibleRestricted oil feed to the cylinder 6 element
- RareActuator for cylinder 6 slow despite correct wiring
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Hard · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €150 – €2,500
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.